St. Jude

WHY ST. JUDE WARRIORS ROCK:

ST. JUDE WARRIORS CHOOSE TO NOT ONLY TACKLE THE BATTLEGROUND, BUT ALSO FUNDRAISE FOR THE KIDS OF ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. The dollars fundraised by St. Jude Warriors go directly towards the St. Jude Red Frog Events Proton Therapy Center. Proton therapy is the most advanced form of radiation technology available to patients, because it allows doctors to precisely target cancerous cells with high doses of radiation while sparing nearby healthy cells and vital organs located beyond the tumor. This will be the first in the world dedicated solely to children, designed specifically to meet the needs of young patients.

Fundraising Perks

IN ADDITION TO HELPING SAVE LIVES, FUNDRAISERS ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN PRIZES:

$100

St. Jude Warrior Bandana

$300

Access to the St. Jude tent at your respective Warrior Dash

Access includes private showers, a complimentary gear check, food, non-alcoholic beverages, and your own hangout area within the festival.

$500

Dash for FREE and get Sport Headphones

$1,000

Trail Backpack

AWESOME. HOW DO I SIGN UP AS A ST. JUDE WARRIOR?

When registering for your Warrior Dash, choose to become a St. Jude Warrior during “Step 4: Charities” of the registration process.

Shortly after completing your registration, St. Jude will email you directions to kick off your fundraising and build out your fundraising page. They’ll also share helpful tips to help you reach your goal!

Start fundraising, have a blast, and know your hard work is greatly appreciated by St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Warrior Dash!

At St. Jude, David started treatment immediately. His treatment plan includes two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. David’s cancer is now in remission and he visits a local St. Jude affiliate for weekly chemotherapy. He and his family return to St. Jude every four months for checkups.

“I don’t know where our family would be without St. Jude,” declared David’s mom, Catherine. “The things happening here are amazing.” Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

David is an inquisitive young man who likes all sorts of games and riding his bike. He’s in the second grade and lists science and reading among his favorite subjects.

Dylan

11 Years Old | Michigan

ASTROCYTOMA

When Dylan was 7 years old, he was found to suffer from a brain tumor called astrocytoma. He underwent two years of chemotherapy at a hospital near his home. In 2013, Dylan’s parents turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for his continuing treatment. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since it opened 50 years ago. Dylan takes oral chemotherapy daily and visits St. Jude every two months. Because of the location of the tumor, it cannot be removed.

“The research, the doctors, everything is fantastic,” Dylan’s mom said. “St. Jude is a miracle hospital.” Dylan has had some vision problems due to the tumor’s location, but his eye sight has started to improve. He’s a talkative, friendly kid who likes science and baseball. Dylan also loves ice fishing in the winter with his dad and grandfather.

Liam

3 Years Old | Ohio

ATRT

When Liam was only 18 months old, he was diagnosed with a very rare brain tumor called ATRT. After a surgery to remove the tumor at a hospital in his home state, his family brought Liam to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for continuing care. Liam’s treatment included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a second brain surgery and proton beam therapy. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. “Because we haven’t had to worry about housing or medical costs,” said his mom, “we’ve been able to all be together as a family. It opens your eyes to how even though bad things can happen, there’s still things to be grateful for.”

Kaylee

11 Years Old | Colorado

MEDULLOBLASTOMA

In December 2014, Kaylee developed headaches and was often tired. When tests revealed she suffered from a brain tumor, her family was devastated. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which was identified as a medulloblastoma. Kaylee’s family turned to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for her continuing care.

At St. Jude, Kaylee’s treatment included radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Because the majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most—saving kids regardless of their financial situation. “Kaylee amazes us,” her mother said. “She’s smiling every day. She keeps us going.” Kaylee loves to go hiking and biking with her family and she loves animals. She’s also very artistic and loves to draw. Kaylee is now finished with treatment and visits St. Jude for regular checkups.

Gideon

5 Years Old | Washington

MELANOMA

When a smooth, red spot appeared on Gideon’s cheek, his mother took him to the doctor to have it checked out. Further tests revealed Gideon suffered from melanoma. Gideon’s family traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for his care. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Gideon’s initial treatment at St. Jude included surgery to remove a portion of his lower left cheek. Over the past year, he has undergone several more surgeries to remove growths. “It’s amazing how much St. Jude does for its patients,” said Gideon’s mom. “There’s a social worker and a chaplain. The nurses are wonderful with kids. The little things add up and make this a great place.” Gideon is doing well and visits St. Jude for regular checkups. And he’s an outgoing, happy kid. He loves to play with cars and anything that goes fast.

Millie

4 Years Old | Alabama

ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Millie is a spitfire. Her family calls her Little Miss Personality. Millie is undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her treatment will include two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To say treatment has not slowed Millie down is an understatement. “Millie loves to run and play,” her mom said. “If she gets sick, a minute later, she’s back to playing. She is never down. She never gets sad, and that helps us.” Millie likes to watch Paw Patrol and the Thundermans. And if she gets to watch along with her brother and sister, it’s even better.

Eden

4 Years Old | Tennessee

ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

For nearly a year, 3-year-old Eden had been on and off antibiotics and in and out of the pediatrician’s office. Even though tests ruled out a virus or allergies, Eden’s parents were concerned something more serious was wrong, especially after Eden developed small, red spots on her face and bruises on her legs. “She’s the youngest of four children,” said her mom, Nicole. “I just knew something wasn’t right.”

In April 2014, when tests revealed Eden suffered from cancer, her family was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened 50 years ago. And we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

“St. Jude is so much more than a place where Eden receives treatment,” declared Nicole. “St. Jude has carried our family through this process.

Eden is undergoing two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy treatment and her cancer is in remission. “I know how serious her diagnosis is,” said Nicole, “but I just feel such hope and peace. She has a future. And she is alive, just because of the research.”

For Nicole, there’s a family connection to this illness. “My dad had an older sister and his older sister died of childhood leukemia,” she explained. “And she was almost the same age as Eden. So in one generation, the research St. Jude has done has saved lives. And not just a child in the city, or a child on the television. A child in my family. My child has been saved.”

Even in the midst of treatment, Eden hasn’t slowed down. She loves to play and is constantly busy – whether it’s riding her tricycle, caring for her baby dolls or keeping up with her three older sisters.

Bryce

3 Years Old | Mississippi

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

When Bryce was diagnosed with sickle cell disease shortly after his birth, his parents were fearful for his future. Then they got the call from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® where Bryce was offered ongoing care for sickle cell disease. At St. Jude, everything changed. Bryce’s treatment has included a daily penicillin regimen, and when he was 1 year old, the addition of a drug called hydroxyurea. “The plan was strategically outlined to let me know we are all in it as a team, and St. Jude is committed to my son’s outcome and well-being,” his mom explained.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Bryce, now 3, is a joyful and energetic kiddo. He loves books and puzzles and has a sweet relationship with 5-year-old sister, Chloe. She comes along for all of Bryce’s checkups at St. Jude.